Lead Sculpture Designer | CAD Fabrication Specialist

St. Petersburg, Florida (Bay area housing ideal)

MGA Sculpture Studio is seeking a Lead Sculpture Designer | CAD Fabrication Specialist to transform sculptural concepts into fabrication‑ready CAD files for water‑jet cutting and physical assembly. This is NOT a concept‑only design role. This is a hands‑on, production‑driven role responsible for bridging design intent and real‑world fabrication.

We are looking for someone who can work in a teamwork‑valued environment- working closely with the Lead Artist and Fabricators to ensure designs are efficient, accurate, and buildable.

• Convert sculptural concepts into proposal‑ready 3D CAD models
• Create waffled / ribbed / cross‑sectioned structures suitable for large‑scale fabrication
• Slice models into fabrication‑ready components
• Lay out parts efficiently on flat sheets for water‑jet cutting
• Generate clean, organized CAD files for direct machine output
• Collaborate with fabricators to resolve real‑world build constraints
• Manage and help plan the technical execution of designs from screen to shop floor

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (Rhino, Fusion 360, Solid Works, Inventor, or similar)
• Proven experience preparing files for CNC / water‑jet / laser cutting
• Hands‑on experience designing waffled or sectional structures
• Solid understanding of materials, tolerances, and assembly logic
• Ability to work independently and take full responsibility of production files
• Clear communication skills and a positive, collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset

• Background in engineering, industrial design, architecture, or sculpture
• Creating technical drawings for engineering/permitting
• Efficiently nesting for production (preparing cut sheets)
• Z‑brush or Blender experience (or comparable sculptural modeling applications)

• Experience with large‑scale or public art fabrication
• Parametric design experience (Grasshopper or similar)
• Familiarity with metal, wood, and/or composite fabrication

This role is not an Entry‑level CAD drafting position. It is also not purely focused on conceptual or artistic work. It is a production driven, detail heavy, and fabrication/engineer‑focused role! If you haven’t designed something that was physically cut and assembled from your files, this likely isn’t the right fit for you.

• Engineering degree is preferred but not required
• Portfolio and fabrication examples are required

Real‑world output matters more than credentials

$55,000 - $85,000, based on experience.

Compensation reflects the scope of responsibility, production demand, and opportunities for long‑term growth within the studio.

To apply, please submit a Resume, a Portfolio (showing fabricated CAD works), and a brief statement describing your role in the fabrication process to  or via the application site.

Applicants must have prior experience creating fabrication‑ready CAD files for CNC or water‑jet cutting.